Historic federal awards are accelerating the I-5 bridge replacement effort

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The century-old bridge connecting Washington and Oregon over the Columbia is due for replacement, according to an announcement from Gov. Jay Inslee’s office. Washington and Oregon have committed $1 billion apiece to the $6 billion project, and the federal government is helping bridge the gap. On Thursday, leaders and lawmakers gathered to celebrate a $1.5 billion award from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Bridge Investment Program.

Over 76,000 bridges across the country require replacement, but the I-5 bridge is not most bridges, according to the announcement. More than 143,000 vehicles and $132 million in goods cross daily. It’s a vital connection for the regional economy, but it’s rated as one of the worst truck bottlenecks on the West Coast. The bridge’s importance and condition earned it the largest award from the BIL Bridge Investment Program, one of the most ambitious federal infrastructure projects in history.

“We are making the single-largest dedicated investment in bridges since the construction of the interstate highway system,” Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt wrote in the announcement. “It's helping to reinvest in our nation's infrastructure and ensure vital connections for Americans that will improve safety, boost their quality of life, and deliver a transportation system that works for everyone.”